Calophyllum thwaitesii

Traditional uses of Calophyllum thwaitesii are documented as mild infusions and decoctions that are taken for fever and malaria, as macerated bark extracts for digestive complaints, and as fresh‑leaf poultices placed on wounds and skin irritations. Among the Sinhalese of central Sri Lanka a tea of dried leaves is recorded as a febrifuge (Jayaweera, 1969). Tamil practitioners in the northern districts use a decoction of bark to calm stomach upset and stimulate appetite (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of Sri Lanka, 1975). The Vedda forest peoples apply crushed fresh leaves directly to cuts and bruises, allowing the sap to remain in contact for several hours (Jayaweera, 1969).

For those who wish to prepare a simple leaf decoction, use about 5 g of dried leaves (roughly two‑to‑three teaspoons) and add them to 200 mL of freshly boiled water. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, then strain and allow the tea to cool to a comfortably warm temperature before drinking. One cup (≈ 200 mL) may be taken up to twice daily, preferably after meals. The preparation should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women, and excessive doses may cause mild gastric irritation; anyone with known liver disease should seek advice from a qualified practitioner before use.

Phytochemical analyses of Calophyllum thwaitesii have consistently identified several well‑known constituents. The plant is rich in xanthones such as thwaitesixanthone and caloxanthone B (Fernando & Gamage, 2013), a coumarin called calophyllolide (Silva et al., 2006), and the flavonoid quercetin (M. J. S. Fernando, 2008). These compounds exhibit antibacterial, anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant activities that align with the recorded therapeutic actions of the decoctions and poultices.

Modern relevance is evident in recent pharmacological studies that have validated the antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory effects of the leaf extracts (Fernando & Gamage, 2013) and in the ongoing ethnobotanical surveys that continue to document traditional knowledge (Bennett et al., 2021). As a result, standardized leaf tinctures and decoction powders are now available in Sri Lankan herbal markets, offering a bridge between historic practice and contemporary healthcare while the plant remains a valued part of local medicinal flora.

Common products:
The primary commercial product is sawn timber/ lumber from the heartwood; forms include boards, planks, and planed stock.

Industrial and craft applications:
Wood is employed for interior flooring, joinery and furniture, general construction and structural use, and ship planking. Material behavior includes slow seasoning and good dimensional stability after drying; high density and hardness confer abrasion resistance. The species is reported as naturally durable and resistant to dry-wood borers, supporting its use in demanding service conditions.

Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
No non-medicinal food or beverage uses are documented for this taxon.

Colorants and tanning:
No documented dye or tanning uses.

Wood and fiber:
A hardwood with heartwood reported as medium to dark reddish brown. Reported air-dry density values around 0.7–0.9 g/cm³ support use in flooring and heavy-duty components. Typical design values indicate moderate to high strength in bending and compression; natural durability is rated as moderate against fungal decay. Wood contains natural oils conducive to moisture resistance and finishing quality; resin exudation is noted during machining.

Fragrance and cosmetics:
No documented fragrance or cosmetic uses.

Properties relevant to use:
High density and hardness; good dimensional stability after seasoning; moderate natural durability; oil content aids moisture resistance and finishing.

Standards and regulation:
Timber is traded under the standard commercial designation for Calophyllum species (often grouped with Calophyllum spp.). Export of Sri Lankan timber is regulated under national forestry laws, and finished flooring is subject to national building codes and product standards for hardwood flooring.

Sustainability and sourcing:
In Sri Lanka the species is categorized as vulnerable due to overharvesting; management measures include improved forest governance, selective harvesting, and plantation trials. Supply chain risks are mitigated through species identification in the field, grading by density and durability, and controlled-drying practices.

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